Monday, February 23, 2009

Research Team to Fly High in NASA Program

A team of undergraduate engineering students from Boise State University is gearing up for flight week in late March as part of NASA’s Reduced Gravity Education Flight Program, also known as Microgravity University. The team was one of eight chosen from colleges and universities across the country to successfully propose, design, fabricate, fly and evaluate a reduced gravity experiment in the Systems Engineering Educational Discovery segment of the Microgravity University program.

A video explaining more about microgravity and why it is an important tool is available at the NASA Web site.

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Last Look

In the Company of Giants

Discovery commander Lee Archambault was just one of the incredible people we got to meet while in Houston. The thing they all seem to have in common is humility.

Robonaut

This odd looking fellow makes his home in one of the massive bays at JSC. He looks like he works out on the ARED ...

Chariot

NASA is working on an ultimate off-road vehicle, and the team had a chance to see it and talk to one of the engineers working on it about the wheels being tested.

Lunar Habitat

NASA's Danny Carraho is working on the electronic innards of lunar habitation prototypes like this one. Even though his work may not come to full fruition for many years, he is focused on today. "I can't think too far ahead or nothing would get done," he said.

Our Mentor

The team presented Pedro with a plaque to commemorate and recognize his role in the project.

American Icon

Seeing a full-sized model of the space shuttle made it clear that most of its bulk is for cargo. Now that the international space station is almost complete, it's one more reason to retire the vehicle that has brought so many astronauts to space and inspired so many Americans.

The Garn Scale

The Garn Scale is named for U.S. Senator Jake Garn, who flew on the Space Shuttle Discovery as a Payload Specialist in 1985. He was so ill that a sickness scale was created in his honor, one Garn being the highest unit of measure.

No Kills

Boise State has a perfect record so far when it comes to the toughness of our stomachs. Not one of our team members got sick on the G-FORCE ONE (or while driving in Moby Van).

More Small Steps

Inside the Rocket Park where the Saturn V sleeps, there are wall-sized banners about NASA's plan to return to the moon. Most people don't realize that we haven't been back since the 1970s.

The Wisdom of Slinky

One of the most important elements of the Microgravity Program is educational outreach, and the teams all brought items that colorfully illustrate the effects of altered gravity. Slinky is a favorite.

Ryan Loves Lamp

He had steak and cheese. Lots of cheese.

2G Memory

Barbara was kind enough to take my picture on the upside of a parabola, when I was glued to the floor. Both that and the sensation of weightlessness were mind-expanding.

Economizing

The team saved money by shipping Mallory to Houston in a pile of foam peanuts. (Kidding.)

Well Equipped

Ryan is always prepared. Most fliers only bring three motion sickness receptacles, but sometimes a guy needs an extra (if only for style).

Alex Miller

Alex Miller is a senior in materials science and engineering. He was a day-one flier and spent most of his time with his arms inside the experiment, dutifully collecting data (though he did take a break for a little Russian dancing). Alex says: "Lex Longa Vita Brevis (The Law is Long, Life is Short)," and "I like magnets."

Jim Browning

Jim Browning is an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering. He has been advising the project from the beginning and will assist with the experiment on the day-two flight team (not to mention the extreme video of Mallory and Ryan). Jim says: "Have a good time learning."

Dan Isla

Dan Isla is a senior in electrical and computer engineering. He is the overall project lead and a day-one flier who managed to get a few airborne somersaults into the mix. He is headed for a job with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory this year. Dan says: "Gravity is overrated."

Matt McCrink

Matt McCrink is a graduate student in mechanical engineering. He is the ground team lead and has been handling the "all-knowing, all-seeing" aspects of making the experiment work. He also has wind-resistant hair (though we're pretty sure it's flammable). Matt says: "Betting on teammates seems counterproductive ..."

Mallory Yates

Mallory Yates is a sophomore in materials science and engineering. She is an enthusiastic day-two flier and the team's personal entertainment center. She will be running the manual elements of the experiment as well as performing stunts to aid the team in future outreach efforts to young children who also are attracted to flashing lights and magnets. Mallory says: "High energy really can take you to space."

Ryan Bedell

Ryan Bedell is a senior in electrical and computer engineering. He is a day-two flier focusing on the computational elements of the experiment (though we hope he'll do a couple cartwheels as well). Ryan says: "Accidental people are good people too."

Kyle Knori

Kyle Knori is a sophomore in materials science and engineering. Kyle is our alternate flier and an integral part of the ground team, focusing on human factors (aka safety issues). In anticipation of his flight on the G-FORCE ONE, Kyle says: "I just hope I don't puke."

Jeff Perkins

Jeff Perkins is a graduate student in materials science and engineering. He is the safety manager of the ground team and a dedicated student of lunar dust. Jeff says: "I looooooove lunar dust."

Bob Davidson

Bob Davidson is a research professor in electrical and computer engineering. He is an alternate flier and ground team superstar in our Microgravity group, and according to astronaut Barbara Morgan (who knows a lot), he has been the heart and soul of the technical/operational aspects of this trip. Bob says: "Why doesn't this airport have a Starbucks?"

From the Ground

The team took a look around after loading the experiment onto the plane. The NASA educators have made it a point to remind us to stop and take a look around while in flight, to really let the experience sink in.

Man Down

After some upside-down training at the Kemah Boardwalk, Alex got stuck. Clearly, he remained calm.

The Danger Zone

No explanation necessary.

Zero-G Style

NASA mentor Pedro H. Curiel making emergency equipment look good. He participated in the flight chamber training and is now an expert at the mysterious "valsalva" maneuver.

Dan on the Scene

During the Discovery crew return at Ellington Field, Dan got interviewed by local ABC affiliate Channel 13. The Boise State infiltration has begun.

A Familiar Face

Barbara took us to the Outpost, a notorious hangout for NASA folks (and we couldn't help but notice the decor). There was karaoke, a little move-busting and some impromptu quizzing from actual rocket scientists.

International Patchwork

This B-57 long wing is used for high altitude research missions, and as you can see from the stickers, it has been around the block. Throughout the week at Ellington Field, this plane has been our hangar-mate.

The Water's Fine

After experiencing the flight chamber at NBL, some of the team members got to see the giant pool that is used for astronaut training. It looked almost like an underwater city.

Reinventing the Wheel

Despite some early bets on the tractor-style tread, a few believers are betting on the "Mallory," an ambitious design that incorporates a crescent shape.

Safety First

Matt and Dan machined some custom pieces for the experiment, and they didn't lose any fingers.

Wise Words

20 years after its first flight, this vintage "motion sickness bag" still tells it like it is. The team was warned they may need a few during the flight days at Johnson Space Center. Yeah parabolas!

Sound Booth

Ryan got serious during the hearing test, which took place in a tiny booth. We're pretty sure he passed.

Microgravity Group

The student flyers spent a fun afternoon with the 124th Medical Group of the 124th Wing of the Idaho Air National Guard. All were cleared for flight, and Dan even fixed the office TV.